Ok Folks, banning smoking in pubs - good or bad?

Question

Im a publican and i can see both sides, but never really been 100% convinced either way?!

Answer 1

Well the health arguments are moot BECAUSE no one forces nonsmokers to go into any privately owned building, whether as a patron or employee. This is simply one group of people seeking to force its preferences on everyone else, with no respect for private property rights (the only spaces that are "public" are those owned by government agencies).

Take out "smoking" and substitute any other item, the concept remains the same. Ergo, this isn't a smoking (or health) issue at all, it's an issue of force.

The owner of a business is an owner of private property. When you patronize or work for such a person, this is a two-way consensual transaction, the owner doesn't HAVE to serve or employ you. Working for a given business or partaking of its services is not a basic right -- you have a choice, let others keep their choices too.

So the right or non-right to "pass one's nose" as mentioned by a poster above is ludicrous -- that person has no more right to a smoke-free bar than to sleep in my bed. This supposed "right" of nonsmokers is a chicken and egg quandry!

Answer 2

I'm a smoker and we have the ban here in Ireland. Not just in pubs but in all work places. I think it's good, as I smoke less when I'm out. Just gets a bit chilly when it's frosty outside!! I've never complained about it though. I hate the way non smokers b'itch so much though. Yeah you've a right not to breathe the smoke but we've a right to smoke as well. If you don't like it, then move. And if your clothes and hair stink in the morning then wash them! That's what you should really do after a night out anyway, smoke or no smoke! The only thing that does annoy me about the smoking ban though is that the non-smokers now complain about us smoking outside! If your standing outside a pub or outside your workplace the moaning is unbelievable! There's no pleasing some people!

Answer 3

Fantastic! I don't go home at the end of the evening smelling like an ashtray any more and my smoking friends get through a lot fewer ciggies on a night out. Only downsides are having to run the gauntlet of smokers at the door and the mess of cigarette butts in the street round pub doorways. Some pubs are addressing this now by installing special ashtray bins outside. Most publicans in Scotland seem to think it hasn't reduced their trade significantly. I think it's a great move.

Answer 4

The question is, should we let the do gooders and the self richous tell us what we should be doing. Should they be telling you how to run your pub? Half the pubs around this way have already closed down in anticipation, why cant you have a spare room for those who want to smoke? Dont these do gooders see that they are making a rod for there own backs? Here in Bromley they have already started on the moterist, restrictive parking, no go areas, This is the backlash that they have now got to live with and they will be the first to winge and whine. I say let the people choose there own way of life.

Answer 5

although I can see that it may lose custom from people that want to smoke when they are out, I think it would be better if smoking was banned in pubs. Theres nothing I hate more than inhaling other peoples smoke when out for a drink or a pub meal not only because it gives me a sore throat, but also because it smells horrible and I hate stinking of an ash tray when I come home from the pub.

I also think maybe if smoking was banned in public areas it might encourage smokers to smoke less as they will be more restricted as to where they can smoke.

Answer 6

I think it is a good idea. When the law kicks in I'll only be smelling of stale alcohol then next morning and that has got to be a bonus! Also I recently went to Ireland and they have it sorted. My friend is a big fagger and she didn't mind going out, she actually mentioned the fact that she spoke to more people by them all being stuck outside in the same situation. Don't think this would encourage anyone to smoke more though. Not sure how the English pubs will handle it but will be good for bar staff!

Answer 7

Banning smoking in pubs is good.It really annoys me when smokers winge about their rights to smoke yet have never given any regard for my right not to smoke.Theres nothing worse than a night out in a smoky pub except for waking the next day and everything from the night before reeks of stale tobacco odour

Answer 8

It's good. It's worked really well in Ireland, I was convinced it wouldn't be properly enforced; that people would just ignore it, but it's really good. The air is much fresher, clothes don't stink after being in a pub or club, and the smokers get to socialise outside, it's a good change of scenery sometimes, good excuse to get away from someone you don't want to talk to (if you're a smoker, or not averse to a white lie) and all round good idea. I'm a smoker btw.

Answer 9

I have never smoked but have many friends who do. I have never even thought about asking them to not smoke when we are together. But now I find I get very stuffy and have a hard time breathing for the next few days after being with them or going out with my husband and sit at the bar where they allow smoking. I think everyone has the right ot smoke or not . I feel bad asking someone to not do what they enjoy doing just because it bothers me, I have to chose stay away from the smoke or suffer with allergies, just hope I don't end up in the hospital. the smoke really gets to me and I now find reasons to not be with my friends or go out to even restaurants.

Answer 10

People may have a different attitude when taxes rise. Banned smoking will mean that people will smoke less. Drinking and smoking tend to go hand in hand. Cigarettes have a huge tax mark-up and if a lot of people quit or cut-down dramatically where will government subsidise this loss? Ah...the humble taxpayer.

It would make more sense to try to cater for both smokers and non-smokers. That would be freedom of choice.